UT Arlington student raped, kidnapped at gunpoint

A University of Texas at Arlington student was kidnapped and raped early Wednesday morning, and the man who did it is still at large.

She was taken at gunpoint as she was getting out of her car at the Midtown Apartments in the 1100 block of UTA Blvd. around 3 a.m. The man forced her to drive to a nearby ATM and convenience store to withdraw money before making her drive to an apartment complex where he assaulted her.

Police say the student is doing okay physically, but is still shaken up.

The Arlington Police Department is investigating the incident. It says that the suspect is a black male, possibly in his twenties, with a thin build.

"I thought this just happened in movies I didn't actually think it would happen in a place like UTA," said student Shreegeeta Mandal.

Police are hoping surveillance video may help them identify the suspect. Student Anu Nokku says the alert will have her changing her routine.

"I stay a few blocks from here. When I meet my friend at night I always look around while going back home and now that's going to stop it's pretty scary," Nokku said.

Both Arlington police and UTA police are increasing their presence in and around the campus.

"The cops are really always on patrol. It's helpful, but still, you know you got to be safe," Nokku said.

Arlington police said they're already working on leads they deem credible. The school is telling students to remain aware of their surroundings and walk in groups if they are going to night classes. They can also request a security escort 24 hours a day.

Anyone with information about the assault is urged to call UTA police at 817-272-3381.